In a historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir’s connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains linking Katra and Srinagar, bringing the travel time between the two destinations down to just 3 hours!
This development comes soon after the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a mega infrastructure achievement that finally connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail.
🚆 Vande Bharat Now Between Katra & Srinagar: What’s New?
Until now, train services in the region were limited — operational only between Banihal and Baramulla in the Valley, and between Jammu, Udhampur, and Katra in the Jammu region. With this new Vande Bharat launch, the rail network gets its most premium addition yet.
📅 When Do the Trains Start Running?
The Northern Railway has confirmed that regular operations will begin on June 7. The Vande Bharat trains will run six days a week, offering seamless and comfortable travel for both pilgrims heading to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and tourists exploring the beauty of Kashmir.
Here are the train numbers introduced for this route:
26401/26402
26403/26404
Both trains will stop at Banihal en route.
🎟️ Ticket Fares: What Will It Cost You?
There are two fare structures depending on the train and class you choose:
Train 1 (26401/26402):
Chair Car: ₹715
Executive Class: ₹1,320
Train 2 (26403/26404):
Chair Car: ₹660
Executive Class: ₹1,270
Comfort, speed, and views—worth every rupee!
🕰️ Timings & Weekly Schedule:
Here’s a quick look at the daily schedule (except the weekly off days):
🚄 Train No. 26401
Departs Katra: 8:10 AM
Arrives Srinagar: 11:08 AM
Return (from Srinagar): 2:00 PM
Arrives Katra: 4:58 PM
Weekly Off: Tuesday
🚄 Train No. 26403
Departs Katra: 2:55 PM
Arrives Srinagar: 5:53 PM
Return (next morning from Srinagar): Arrives in Katra at 8:00 PM
Weekly Off: Wednesday
🏞️ What This Means for Tourists & Pilgrims
Whether you’re a pilgrim heading to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, a tourist dreaming of Dal Lake and Gulmarg, or a local resident looking for better transport, this is a game-changer. The journey is not only faster but far more comfortable and scenic—just 3 hours of breathtaking Himalayan landscapes!
📌 Holidays Hunt Recommends
With Katra and Srinagar now just a Vande Bharat ride away, this is the perfect time to plan your Kashmir getaway. Combine spiritual travel with valley adventures, or simply explore both regions in one trip.
➡️ Want us to plan your Katra–Kashmir itinerary with train tickets, hotels, and sightseeing? Contact Holidays Hunt today!